Henley bringing home-state hopes to 1st Masters

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Russell Henley's head was on a swivel Monday at Augusta National, scanning the gallery for friends, family or anyone else yelling "Go Dawgs."

The former Georgia Bulldog and Peach State native is playing in his first Masters. He is carrying the hopes of fans cheering for their first home-state champion since Larry Mize won the green jacket in 1987. Henley said he hadn't ever felt as nervous as he did Monday — and that was just practice.

The 23-year-old attended the tournament while growing up in Macon. He played the course while at Georgia and won his way into the field with a victory at the Sony Open in January. He hopes that enjoying the moments early in the week will lead to focused golf when the tournament starts Thursday.